Essential Oils – First Aid

Natural First Aid Kit

Cuts, scrapes, minor burns, bumps and bruises are a part of life; especially when you have small children (or when you are a klutzy momma).  Did you know that essential oils make for a great natural first aid kit?

Lavender contains constituents that may help relieve mild burns or cleanse small cuts. Other essential oils that can be added to a first aid kit include peppermint essential oil (stomach discomfort), lemon essential oil (cleansing), and Thieves® essential oil blend (may be effective against airborne bacteria).

For wounds, scrapes and cuts there are several different essential oils (singles and blends) that may be beneficial for preventing infection and for promoting healing.  

Select specific oils based on the type of injury. Keep in mind when selecting essential oils for surface injuries make sure to determine the needs of the entire body; not just the injury (bump, bruise, burn, cut or scrape). For instance, a wound could encompass muscle damage, nerve damage, inflammation, infection, bone injury, fever, or emotions.  So be sure to select an oil or blend specific to each need. 

Personal Experience: Yesterday afternoon as I was grating cheese to add to our lunch I became distracted and grated my thumb – ouch!  I’ve done this many times before, and generally the incident is followed by much drama, blood, frantic searches for band aids, etc.  However, instead of freaking out, I grabbed my Young Living essential oils!  I could have used Lavender, Frankincense, or Valor – but I chose to use Purification.  Purification can disinfect and promote healing.  Not only did it stop the bleeding, but it soothed the pain.  I was able to get back to grating cheese and enjoy lunch with my family without ever knowing I had just sustained a battle wound from wrestling with my cheese grater.

Here are some helpful recipes to add to your Natural First Aid Kit;

First Aid Spray

• 5 drops lavender
• 3 drops maleleuca (M. alternifolia)
• 2 drops dorado azul

Mix with ½ tsp. of salt. Add to 8oz. of distilled water and shake well.  Pour into a dark glass spray bottle.  Spray minor cuts and wounds before bandaging. Repeat 2-3 times a day for 3 days.  You may want to apply 1-2 drops of melaleuca (M. alternifolia) oil to the wound daily for the next few days.

More First Aid Recipes 

(Dilute suggested oils 50/50 with a quality carrier oil and apply 2-6 drops on location 1-4 times daily)

Bruises or Scrapes (may be used on infants and children)

• 1 drop cistus
• 4 drops lavender
• 1 drop myrrh

Infected Cuts

• 7 drops geranium
• 5 drops myrrh
• 3 drops melaleuca (M. alternifolia)

Reduce Bleeding – Cold Compress Recipe (Make a cold compress and apply it to the affected area 2-3 times until bleeding stops)

• 5 drops geranium
• 5 drops lemon
• 2 drops German chamomile
• 2 drops helichrysum

Promote Healing

Suggested Single Oils: Frankincense, sandalwood, Melissa, lavender and patchouli

Blends: Purification, Melrose, Gentle Baby and Valor

How to Use:

Apply neat or diluted, depending on the oil or oils you are using.  Dilute recommended oils 50/50 and apply 2-4 drops on the wound 2-5 times a day.

When you are preparing your Natural First Aid Kit you may want to make three kits: one for the kitchen, bathroom, and your vehicle.  In the event of an emergency, having three fully stocked kits in each of these areas can make a difference.  There are other items that you may want to include in your Natural First Aid Kit, such as:

• 2 pairs of sterile gloves (I use latex free)
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
• Bandages in a variety of different sizes
• Eye wash solution
• Thermometer
• Scissors
• Tweezers

Most Popular Essential Oils for First Aid

• Lavender essential oil
• Lemon essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Thieves® essential oil blend

-Information used from personal experience, Young Living Therapeutic Essential Oils website and the “Essential Oils Pocket Reference” 5^th Edition

*I only recommend therapeutic grade essential oils. CLICK HERE to purchase my therapeutic grade single oils or special blends.

The information provided on Southern Scentsabilities is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health or medical needs you may have with your physician. Please seek professional help when needed.